The Ford F-150 lineup is extensive, offering seven distinct trim levels, starting from the no-frills XL model. Positioned at the apex of the F-150 family, the Ford F-150 Raptor stands out as the ultimate off-road variant, despite having a lower base price than the luxurious F-150 Limited. Eager to understand if Ford’s “top dog” F-150 truly lived up to its multifaceted reputation, I spent a week behind the wheel of a 2019 F-150 Raptor, evaluating its capabilities in daily driving, towing, and challenging off-road terrains.
Ford’s confidence in the F-150 Raptor was evident from the start. They delivered the truck with a full tank of gas and a simple instruction: “have fun,” leaving the definition of “fun” delightfully open to interpretation.
Delving into the Raptor: Origins and Evolution
Ford first unleashed the Raptor variant of the F-150 in 2009, establishing it as the premier off-roading model within the F-150 range. A decade later, the Raptor maintains its core DNA, evolving in parallel with the standard F-150 models. Compared to a regular F-150, the Raptor boasts a track width increase of approximately 6 inches, complemented by assertive fender flares, and a ride height that’s 1 inch taller. It rolls on robust 17-inch bead-lock capable wheels, wrapped in substantial BFGoodrich K02 all-terrain tires, designed to conquer diverse landscapes.
A significant upgrade for the 2019 model year is the introduction of adaptive Fox shocks. These advanced shocks dynamically adjust their damping characteristics based on the selected drive mode, offering optimized performance across various driving conditions, selectable via steering wheel controls.
Powering the Raptor is a “high output” iteration of Ford’s potent 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. This powerhouse delivers an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, seamlessly paired with Ford’s refined 10-speed automatic transmission.
The 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor I tested carried a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) just under $75,000, reflecting its premium positioning and advanced features.
Daily Driving Dynamics of the Ford F-150 Raptor
Having extensive experience driving various F-150 models and even owning two previously, the familiarity of piloting a Ford F-150 for daily commutes was undeniable. The cabin layout and feature set mirrored my former 2018 F-150 Lariat, making the Bang & Olufsen sound system, SYNC 3 infotainment, and overall cabin ambiance instantly recognizable. However, the Raptor introduced enhancements to the F-150 formula, elevating the daily driving experience beyond that of a standard F-150.
The adaptive Fox shocks, renowned for their off-road prowess, significantly improved the Raptor’s on-road ride quality compared to my previous Lariat. Unladen, standard F-150s can exhibit a somewhat jarring ride, particularly over bumps and road imperfections. The Raptor’s advanced suspension effectively mitigates these issues, delivering a noticeably smoother and more composed ride. The 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor’s suspension system is a key element in its daily driving comfort.
My test Raptor was also equipped with the optional Recaro seats featuring blue accents. These leather and Alcantara seats provided enhanced support and bolstering, proving to be a worthwhile upgrade and, arguably, a desirable option for higher non-Raptor F-150 trims as well. The Recaro seats in the 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor enhance both comfort and sporty feel.
Fuel economy presented a trade-off. The Raptor’s additional bulk, attributed to its off-road focused components, results in a slight aerodynamic penalty compared to a standard 3.5L EcoBoost XLT or similar F-150 variant. Another consideration was the truck’s width. While utilizing the same “SuperCrew” cab as other F-150s, the Raptor’s widened track, increased by approximately 6 inches with matching fender flares, does impact maneuverability in tight urban environments. While the fender flares posed no practical issues, the increased width made parallel parking in city settings a somewhat comical endeavor. Several parking attempts were thwarted simply because the truck exceeded the available space. Navigating city parking in a 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor requires awareness of its wider stance.
Towing Capabilities of the 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor
A primary objective of this review was to assess the Raptor’s towing proficiency. Frankly, this aspect of the week-long evaluation induced the most apprehension. My enclosed trailer had performed predictably behind both my 5.0L Lariat and a 3.5L EcoBoost XLT. However, the Raptor’s softer spring rates and Fox shocks, engineered primarily for off-road applications, raised concerns about towing stability and control.
Nevertheless, the Raptor, in SuperCrew configuration and wheelbase, boasts a towing capacity of 8,000 lbs when utilizing a weight distribution hitch (and 5,000 lbs without). Consequently, I hitched up my trailer, engaged the weight distribution bars, and embarked on a Saturday towing excursion to gauge the truck’s behavior with a substantial load in tow. The trailer, featuring a 20-foot box and a 4-foot V-nose, measured approximately 27 feet in overall length and weighed around 6,500 lbs when loaded.
To my pleasant surprise, the Raptor managed the trailer with remarkable composure. Minor rear sag was evident, although adjusting the hitch ball height might have mitigated some of it. Ford asserts that the shocks maintain “normal” stiffness in Tow/Haul mode. Indeed, the ride quality and chassis control remained excellent, even at highway speeds when encountering turbulence from passing 18-wheelers. The high-output EcoBoost V6 engine consistently delivered ample power, and the 10-speed transmission proved a harmonious match for the turbocharged powerplant. The 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor’s powertrain is well-suited for towing.
Quick online forum research reveals that Raptor owners who frequently tow often consider adding aftermarket airbags to the rear suspension to further counteract squatting. In my experience, this wasn’t necessary, and I maintained complete confidence while towing the trailer. However, a larger and heavier trailer might challenge the Raptor’s towing composure. For heavier towing needs, considering rear suspension enhancements for the 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor could be beneficial.
Off-Road Prowess of the Ford F-150 Raptor
My initial plans didn’t explicitly include off-roading with the Raptor. However, possessing the keys to this off-road icon and neglecting to venture off-pavement felt almost sacrilegious. Gathering a few companions, we convened in the George Washington National Forest and directed the Raptor towards the summit of Flagpole Knob.
Flagpole Knob isn’t renowned as an exceptionally demanding trail. We had previously navigated the trail with ease in our budget-friendly AWD vehicles. However, East Coast trails, particularly in Virginia, often lack the width to comfortably accommodate the Raptor’s substantial dimensions. Mindful of returning the truck to Ford unscathed, I deemed the wide gravel and dirt path leading to Flagpole’s summit the most prudent choice. The 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor is wide and requires consideration on narrow trails.
The ascent to Flagpole’s summit features extended straightaways, offering visibility of oncoming traffic, and undulating terrain that can induce bounciness in conventional off-road vehicles. Engaging “Baja mode” via the Drive Mode buttons on the steering wheel, I shifted the transmission to Manual mode and positioned my fingers to access the metal paddle shifters behind the substantial steering wheel. And we commenced our off-road excursion.
The Raptor incorporates sensors capable of detecting airborne moments. In the 2019+ models equipped with adaptive shocks, these sensors trigger the shocks to stiffen to their maximum setting, preparing for landing. While we didn’t achieve airborne jumps on this trail, the road surface imperfections kept the shocks actively engaged. We traversed the trail at speeds that would typically induce significant bucking and bouncing in most vehicles. Yet, inside the cab, all four occupants remained remarkably comfortable. The truck effortlessly absorbed the terrain. The 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor’s adaptive suspension excels in off-road conditions.
Reaching a point near the summit, I decided to test the Raptor’s sizable BFGoodrich tires in a mild mud pit. Unsurprisingly, this presented no challenge for the truck or its robust tires, but it provided an opportunity for some engaging photographs. The 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor is built for mud and challenging terrains.
Is the 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor a Well-Rounded Truck?
In summary, unequivocally, yes. While the F-150 Raptor doesn’t aspire to be the ultimate street truck, it offers enhanced comfort compared to a standard F-150 and capably handles most “truck duties.” For scenarios demanding heavier towing or payload capacities, Ford readily offers non-Raptor F-150 variants that provide increased capabilities and are less inclined to conquer desert dunes at high speeds.
However, if parallel parking isn’t a frequent necessity, and you desire a truck equally at home in a grocery store parking lot, towing a race car, or confidently navigating off-road trails, the Raptor presents a remarkably compelling ownership proposition. The 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor is a versatile truck for diverse needs.
